Two Garland ISD high school drill teams and a local organization recently came together to help students in need. Volunteers from the Sachse High School Swingsters and the South Garland High School Southern Belles helped the Noon Exchange Club of Garland donate hundreds of back-to-school items to three local organizations—the Child Abuse Prevention Center, the GRS Giving Place and the New Beginning Center in Garland.
“We would like to thank the Noon Exchange Club of Garland for their donation,” said GISD Case Manager and GRS Giving Place Coordinator Emily Jandrucko. “It looks like we are off to a great 2015-16 school year.”
Noon Exchange Club President and GISD Hispanic Community Liaison Javier Solis helped facilitate the generous act. Looking to secure a charitable project for their members, both drill team directors contacted Solis for leads. Instead of assigning separate missions, Solis saw the multiple benefits a joint service project could generate.
“Bringing girls from across the district who usually only meet in contest proved to be valuable. By working on this project together, the students realized they had more in common, which helped build relationships and form a commitment to serve the community,” Solis said. “The Club saw the need to provide children with back-to-school items, so the girls stuffed 200 backpacks with grade-selected school supplies. Backpacks were then delivered, with the Child Abuse Prevention and New Beginning centers each receiving 50, and the GRS Giving Place getting 100.”
In order to fund the philanthropic venture, the Noon Exchange Club raised $5,000 through community fundraising and bingo games throughout the year. Student volunteers had a chance to learn about the time and devotion it takes to successfully execute a job like this.
“The students were introduced to club members, who shared their reasons for service and the importance of giving back,” Solis explained. “Club volunteers all have a passion to help make Garland a better community. Many give their time, money and talents. Students learned that it takes more than one group to make a difference if the mission to serve aims for the same goal.”
Information provided by Garland ISD.
Photo courtesy of Javier Solis.